USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 44
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In 1805-06 Christian Deardorff made his second journey on horseback from his father's home in Adams County, Pa., to the new state of Ohio, the trip, which was some four hundred miles in ex- tent, consuming about eight days. Ile went by the way of Pittsburg to Ft. Lawrence, thence . down the Tuscarawas River to the place of his des- tination. Here he entered upon the large landed estate purchased by him and Jesse Slingluff, the work of developing and making it the financial success, which in later years it proved to be, im- posing great exposure and responsibility.
Upon his arrival, Christian Deardorff secured the assistance of workmen, and at once proceeded to
build two rude log cabins, which were located about twenty rods southwest of the present smokestack of the Sugar Creek Salt Works. The said works now occupy the very location of the old grist and saw mill. In one of the log cabins Christian kept "bachelor's hall" for about ten years. During that period he passed through many privations of pio- neer life, in the building of the Sugar Creek dam, the saw and grist mill and in developing the newly laid out village of Dover. The hewed-log grist- mill was for years the only one within a radius of fifty miles. Patrons came from far and near with ox carts and pack saddle horses loaded with grists of grain to be ground into flour or corn-meal. In 1816 he built a two-story frame dwelling on town lot No. 8, which served as a dwelling-house, postof- fice, and store for the sale of general merchandise. Hle also served as the first Postmaster of the place. Ile was married in 1817. and immediately moved into this house, which was ever a welcome, hospita- ble home to everybody, and as some one said, "The Judge has a mill and plenty to eat; let us enjoy his hospitality." In this house all their children were born, but twenty years later an elegant brick residence was erected on Wooster Avenue, where the parents lived during the remainder of their lives.
Previous to organizing and separating the coun- ty of Tuscarawas from Muskingum, the territory was little more than a howling wilderness, the hab- itation of Indians, bears, wolves, 'coons, foxes, deer and venomous reptiles. The country was sparsely settled, and along the water courses, which were full of choice fish, Indian trails were the only visi- ble forest roads. In 1807 the tide of emigrants from the East began to flow in rapidly, occupying Government land on the north, west and south sides of the river. That year the father of our sub- ject laid out the town of Dover on the joint land purchase, built a hewed-log tavern on lot No. 1, es- tablished a ferry-boat to cross the Tuscarawas River, and in many ways aided in developing the county; he also built the water-mill and sawmill named above. This structure was first erected on the banks of Sugar Creek, about one mile from Dover; but about twenty-two years later the Ohio Canal was laid out and constructed, and the wa-
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ter of the ercek was wanted as a source of supply . for the canal. This necessitated the abandonment of tlic old mill, and later, in 1832, a large merchant- mill, with four run of French burrs, was built at a more convenient point, located between the Tus- carawas River and Ohio Canal, now within the cor- porate limits of the town. Jesse Slingluff died in 1836, when followed a division of the personal and real estate. Christian Deardorff chose the mer- chant-mill and land in the division, and he contin- ucd in his extensive business for the rest of his life. In 1808 he was appointed Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and so well and satis- factorily did he fulfill the duties of the responsi- ble position that he was retained in office for six- teen years. In 1812 he volunteered and was Pay- master during the war. He was very popular in his district, and in 1825 was elected to the Legislature, being one of the active promoters in establishing the Ohio Canal improvement. He was a Whig in politics, and in 1844 was a candidate of that party for Congressman, and was only defeated by a small majority. Hon. Christian Deardorff departed this life September 10, 1851, greatly mourned by all who knew him, and is buried with his wife and children in the family lot in the old cemetery at Canal Dover. He was a man of sterling worth, and public enterprise, and was most affectionately regarded in the community. .
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Margaret R. Butt. She was a native of York Coun- ty, Pa., in which state her parents were also born. They became residents of Muskingum County, now Tuscara was County, Ohio, in May, 1806, and here William Butt became the proprietor of twelve hun- dred acres of land, a portion of which lay in what is now Goshen Township, and the remainder in Dover Township. Ile cleared and cultivated thus estate in a very profitable manner, and became one of the most influential and wealthy residents of the county. His wife died in 1814, and he lived until 1824. They are both buried in the Pleasant Ilill Cemetery in Dover Township. Both were known as very devoted Christians, and frequent religions services were held in their cabin and barn. Will- iam Butt, together with his four brothers, Jacob, Benjamin, John and Joseph, volunteered when liv-
ing in York, Pa., and served as soldiers in the Con- tinental army, thus rendering their country valua- ble service. Gen. John Butt, of New Philadelphia, a brother of our subject's mother, was a noted mil- itiaman and had command of the county militia. IIe had been a member of the Legislature, also held the office of Sheriff, and at the time of his death was Justice of the Peace. Another brother, William, was a prominent preacher in the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
Returning to the history of Judge Deardorff, we learn that by his untiring industry and per- severance he developed his two thousand, one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, built house and barns, a bridge across the river, mills, tanyard, smith-shop and conducted a general mer- cantile establishment, and was the foster-father of the town's development, as his partner seldom came to the state of Ohio. This was a gigantic under- taking, but, nothing daunted, he began the arduous task, and in a few years was proud of the results of his labors. Dover was at that time an obscure small village in the woods, and not until the com- pletion of the Ohio Canal was it a place of note. In the fall of 1829, water was turned in, and the canal completed.
In the following spring, navigation was opened to Cleveland. A grand old-fashioned huzza was given, not only to the first boat that arrived, but later others were greeted with many hearty cheers. A canal-boat at that time was looked upon as a big thing. Dover still later was noted as the second city in importance in the purchasing and shipping of wheat and flour. The citizens of Canal Dover will ever rejoice at the forethought and wisdom dis- played in locating the town so favorably, with its beautiful environments, its picturesqueness of sur- rounding scenery, replete with undulating hills. valleys and extended plains of fertility, and bound- ed on the east with the crystal waters of the Tus- cara was.
To Christian and Margaret R. Deardorff were born eiglit children: Jesse S., Isaac N., George B., Charles F., Upton C., Mary C., Joseph B. and Will- iam F. They are all living with the exception of William and Charles. Jesse S. Deardorff was born in Dover (later called Canal Dover), and
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remembers when there were but ten houses in the village, and deer, wolves, 'coons, foxes and other wild game were a common sight. This city now has a population of four thousand, is a large man- ufacturing place, and has several large churches and schools. Ilis first school days were spent in New Philadelphia. Later a school was established in Dover. Subsequently, however, we find him a stu- dent of Kenyon College, and later still he entered . the college at New Athens.
Before completing liis education, our subject's father's mercantile partnership was dissolved, and this necessitated his assuming the management of his interest in this business. Later he was in- terested in the manufacture of woolen goods, was one of the projectors and proprietors of two salt works near Canal Dover, and carried on a thriving business as merchant, miller and dealer in produce. Energetic, honest, progressive and up- right, he has succeeded in life, and is now enjoy- ing the fruits of his prudence, surrounded with luxuries and enjoying the confidence and esteem of a host of warm friends. While living in Canal Dover, he was elected Mayor of the city, and for some time was also a working and valued member of the School Board. In politics he was first a Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for Will- iam Henry Harrison; but on the formation of the Republican party, he joined its ranks and has ever since voted for its candidates. In religious affairs he is one of the active members of the Moravian Church at Canal Dover, which he regularly attends and contributes liberally to its support. Socially he belongs to the Odd Fellows' fraternity, whiel he represented in the grand lodge, and with which he has been connected since 1849.
J. S. Deardorff was united in marriage in East Cleveland, April 14, 1816, to Anna B., daughter of the Rev. A. MeReynolds and Susannah ( Hodge) McReynolds, who was born August 21, 1825, in Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. To them have been born the following-named children: Eugene A., for eighteen years assistant Cashier in the Citizens' National Bank of New Philadelphia; Horace A., who is engaged in the mercantile bus- iness in Pittsburg; Isaae L., a produce broker, who also makes his home in that city; and Charles, El-
mer and Ernest, who died young. A devoted wife and mother, a faithful member of the Moravian Church, Mrs. Deardorff eame to Canal Dover with her parents in 1844. She was a graduate of William Bross' Female Seminary at Deckertown, N. J., and was rarely gifted in song and instrumental musie and mental culture. She was foremost in all Christian and benevolent works in the church and neigh- borhood, and aided her husband greatly in attaining his present high standing in the community. She died July 25, 1877, and is buried by the side of her mother and sister, Martha, and her three chil- dren in the family lot in the old cemetery in Canal Dover. Her parents immigrated in her infancy from Stewartstown, Ireland, to the United States in 1827. Her father's ancestors were Scotch-Irish Presby- terians, and joined the army under William, Prince of Orange, and heroically participated in the vic- torious battle of the Boyne. Large confiscated estates were conferred upon him for his acknowl- edged valor. Of A. McReynolds' grandfather's sons, some were noted physicians, one settled in London and one in Moneymore, north of Ireland, and still another makes his home in Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, and one is a colonel in the English army.
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B ENJAMIN GIFFEE. That our subject is one of the shrewdest and wealthiest agri- culturists of Guernsey County is shown by the success which has crowned his efforts, for he is now living retired from active work of any kind. on his valuable farm, comprising fourteen hundred and thirty-seven acres, all of which. with the exception of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, lies in Oxford Township. Upon this farm he raises large numbers of sheep and cattle. He is a man of much practical business talent and financial ability, and his extensive possessions are a standing monument to the energy which he has put forth in the labors of his life, and the good judgment which has characterized his efforts. His
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high standing among his fellow-men is equally high proof of his worth as a neighbor and citizen.
Mr. Giffee was born in Oxford Township, Janu- ary 18, 1821, and is the son of Benjamin and Han- nah (Gilliland) Giffee, who were married Septem- ber 6, 1804. The father was a native of Maryland, and the mother's birth occurred in Virginia. Ben- jamin Giffce came to Oxford Township in a very early day, and entered from the Government the land on a portion of which our subject now re- sides. Ile was engaged in farm pursuits all his life, and both in his business success and the posi- tion which he occupied in the community was an example of what a man can accomplish providing he possesses energy, pluck and good judgment, coupled with the confidence and respect of the people among whom he may live.
Benjamin and Hannah Giffee were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject was the youngest but one. Of the other members of the family: Elizabeth, who was born January 29, 1805, died November 17, 1892; James, born March 14, 1807, died in March, 1871; Sarah, born May 23, 1808, died December 30, 1828; Susanna, born Oc- tober 17, 1809, died April 26, 1833; Josiah, born April 3, 1811, died August 30, 1889; Mason, born March 11, 1813, died September 9, 1821; Perry, born August 20, 1814, died November 12, 1833; Ruth, born June 24, 1818, died October 23, 1841; and Hannah, born December 5, 1822, died in the fall of 1892.
The father of our subject dying when he was quite young, he was not permitted to spend much time in attending school, but early in life com- menced to paddle his own canoe. On attaining mature years he came in for his share of the original entry of land, receiving as his portion about twenty-five acres. That he has been suc- cessful in cultivating the soil is hardly necessary to say, as we have already recorded the fact that he is now the proud possessor of nearly fifteen hundred acres of the fertile land for which Guern- sey is noted, all of which is the result of his own labors, excepting the insignificant amount which he inherited. Ile has an excellent brick residence situated a half-mile south of Fairview.
. Mr. Giffee and Miss Eliza L. Kennon were mar-
ried March 29, 1867. The lady is the daughter of James and Rose A. (Kennon) Kennon, and was born in Oxford Township February 2, 1839. She has become the mother of three children: Albert, who was born June 6, 1870, and died October 6, 1881; Leanna, born February 3, 1872; and Josiah B., June 21, 1877. The living members of the house- hold are at home and are being given the best ad- vantages for obtaining an education which it is in the power of their parents to bestow. Mr. and Mrs. Giffee are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and conscientiously live up to what they believe to be right. Politically the former is a stanch Republican, and therefore casts his vote with that party. Ile takes a leading part in local affairs and is devoted to the best interests of the community. He has made many friends during his long residence in this county, who esteem him highly for his worth and upright character.
LIVER P. LECHNER, one of the native sons of Mineral Point, Ohio, is serving his third term as an Alderman of the place. Since August 8, 1889, he has been an engineer for the Tunnel Mining Company, and for many years prior to that time ran locomotive, stationary and portable engines for various manufacturing concerns or railroads. He is an expert mechanic and thoroughly acquainted with all parts of the business.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Michael Lechner, was born in York County, Pa., in 1777. and served in the War of 1812. Ile was a miller by trade, but for a time after coming to Ohio, in 1826, engaged in farming in Stark County, later. however, returning to milling. He died at the age of fifty-seven years, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church, in which he had been reared. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Rider, and to them were born three children: George; Jeremiah; and Joseph, of Elkhart County., Ind.
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After the death of Michael Lechner his widow be- came the wife of Joseph Young, and her death oc- curred in Indiana, at the age of eighty-four years.
George Lechner, the father of Oliver P., was born in York County, Pa., and was reared to farm life. In 1826, when a young man, he came to Ohio, set- tling in Stark County. There he was married, in 1816, to Matilda Firestone, and soon afterward came to this locality, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres. He improved the farm, and sixty acres of the land has since been platted and a part of this sold to the railway company. He made the first addition to the village in company with Al- fred Davis, and leased some of his land to a mining company. In politics he was a strong Republican, and twenty years he served as Township Trustee. Hle was born in 1820, and died June 3, 1889. IIis wife was born in Pennsylvania and was the daugh- ter of Mathias Firestone, of German birth. He set- tled in Stark County, this state, at an early day, and engaged in farming until shortly before his death, at the age of seventy years. Six children were born to George and Matilda Lechner, namely: Catherine, Mrs. Philip Furney, of Sandy Township; Charity, who became the wife of Sam Cunningham, and died at Malvern, Stark County, leaving two daughters; Osee, Mrs. Emanuel Sweaney, of Sandy- ville; Joseph M., Oliver P. and Jennie.
Oliver P. Lechner was born September 20. 1856, and was brought up on a farm, receiving a distriet- school education. When eighteen years old he began working for himself and, going to Alliance, entered the employ of the Ft. Wayne Railroad Company. Familiar with machinery, he afterward ran locomotive, stationary and portable engines, and is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Owing to his industry and thrift, he has become well-to-do, and owns several pieces of property in this village. He has also constructed three houses in the place, and in other ways has as- sisted in the local welfare.
September 6, 1883, Oliver Lechner married Miss Isabel France, who was born in Carroll County, just across the line from this county, October 22, 1859. Iler parents, Michael and Catherine (All- baugh) France, were natives of the Keystone State, but came to Ohio in an early day with their re-
spective parents and were among the first settlers of Carroll County. Michael France was a wagon- maker by trade, but followed farming during the last years of his life, his death having occurred on the 11th of June, 1892, at the age of sixty- nine years. He was twice married, by his first union having had five children, namely: Mary E., who died when six months old; John D .; Amanda, wife of George Householder; Ann, who became Mrs. Jacob G. Householder; and Isabel, who became the wife of our subject. The mother of these children, who was a devoted member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, died March 1, 1861. Her husband afterward married Elizabeth Householder, but there were no children by that union. Michael France was a son of John France, who was born in the Keystone State and passed his last years in Ohio. He reared four sons and three daughters, as fol- lows: William, George, Alex, Michael, Mary, Eliza Ruthledge and Susan Waltz, now deceased. The eldest daughter, Mary, was twice married, first to John Domer and later to Alex Huston.
To our subject and his wife has been born one child, Loren Loree, born July 24, 1894. Mrs. Lechner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which she has belonged for fifteen years, and with the denomination her parents were also connected. In his political belief Mr. Lecliner is a supporter of the Republican party. Both he and his wife enjoy the friendship and good-will of a large circle of neighbors and acquaintances.
T HIOMAS McKAHAN. The gentleman to whom we call the attention of our readers is a prominent and influential farmer of Jefferson Township, Guernsey County, where he operates an excellent estate of one hundred and twenty acres, all well improved. He is a well edu- cated man, and an expert in the art of spelling, winning as a prize, over twenty years ago, Web- ster's Unabridged Dietionary at a spelling "bee" conducted at Washington, this state.
Daniel McKahan, the father of our subject, was
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a native of County Derry, Ireland, born in 1771. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Me- Connell, was a native of County Down, Ireland, her birth occurring in 1780. This lady was ten years old when she undertook the journey to America, and was married to Daniel MeKahan in 1818. She came to America in 1790, locating at once in Chester County, Pa., whence she soon after removed to Brooke County, W. Va. Her husband located in Washington County, Pa.
The parental family included three children, of whom Thomas was the youngest. Robert was born Mareh 30, 1819, and is a surveyor, making his home in Cambridge, this county; James was born June 5, 1820, and was located on a fine farm near Kimbolton, in Wheeling Township, until his death, in 1869. Thomas was born in Washington County, Pa., February 24, 1823. ITis parents be- ing fairly well-to-do, he was given the opportu- nity of attending the schools taught in the district, and when nineteen years of age was considered competent to teach. This profession he followed for five years during the winter season.
Three years after attaining his majority, Thomas MeKahan wasmarried to Miss Margaret, the daugh- ter of John and Mary (Marshall) McMillen, and for twelve years farmed in the Keystone State. His removal to Ohio was undertaken in 1859, at whiel: time he settled in Guernsey County, Ohio. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKahan, Mary, born June 15, 1848, married Hiram Gunn in April, 1866; Eliza, born July 24, 1851, married John II. Ford, and they reside in Dakota; Susanna, born April 15, 1854, became the wife of Jonathan Patterson, and is living in Centre Township, this county. The wife and mother died June 14, 1855, and our subject later married Ellen, daughter of James and Isabel (Carnes) Bell, of Monroe Town- ship. Of the children of this union, Margaretta, born on the 11th of February, 1857, married Rob- ert T. MeCullough, and their seven children are Ella, born October 14, 1877; Thomas L., March 14, 1878; Robert G., September 25, 1882; Laura B., February 25, 1884; Chalmer, May 18, 1887; Vic- toria, January 26, 1892; and Lida B., October 6, 1893. Belle MeKahan, the second daughter, was born October 9, 1860, and married Henry S.
Adair; their one child, Adrian R., was born March 4, 1884. Nannie was born October 31, 1864, and married Joseph C. McNeal, September 21, 1891. Their family comprise a daughter and son: Laura I., born September 12, 1892; and Ralph C., February 25, 1894.
James Bell, the father of Mrs. McKahan, was born in Ireland in 1789, while his wife, who was also a native of that country, was born in 1801. They were married in the Emerald Isle, and on coming to America, in 1825, first located in Balti- more. Later they moved to a place near the eity of Pittsburg, Pa., and in 1842 took up the line of march to Guernsey County. On arriving here they leased a piece of land, which Thomas Mc- Kahan later purchased, and this property is still in the possession of the family, and is one of the most productive farms in the county.
During the late war our subject enlisted as a member of Company B, Ninety-seventh Ohio In- fantry, and was mustered into service August 7, 1862. Ile remained in that regiment until the following year, when he was transferred to the in- valid eorps, where he served for more than two years. Ilis term of enlistment expiring, he again offered his serviees to his country, and was accept- ed, this preventing his returning home until the close of the war. He was discharged November 11, 1865, and soon afterward mustered out of sery- iee. During the years spent in the army he saw mueh suffering, and with his comrades passed through many hardships and privations. Ile de- serves a great amount of praise for sacrificing >0 much in order that he might do what he could to sustain liis country's honor, as when he left home his farm was left in charge of his wife and five daughters, who managed it in a very com- mendable manner. William Bell, a brother of Mrs. MeKahan, served as a member of the Eightieth Regiment during the entire period of hostilities. and during this time participated in all the marches and battles in which his company was ordered to engage. Henry Bell, a brother, was also in the service.
Our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Church, with whielt the former has been connected for half a
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century, and Mrs. McKahan for thirty-seven years. The former was Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and served his township in the capacity of Clerk and Treasurer for a term of four years each. Although in early life a Democrat, Mr. McKahan now supports Republican principles. The county regards him as among its most valued citizens, for he has ever borne his part in the support of all its enterprises.
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